Keeping safe in rivers and lakes
24 Jul 2024 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
A timely warning has gone out to those swimming in lakes, rivers and other inland bodies of water to look after themselves and others this summer.
During the school holidays as soon as the sun comes out it is only natural for families and young people to head to water for refreshing fun and adventure.
However, as Northumberland County Council’s “Love it Like it’s Yours” campaign safety messages remind us, water can also pose life-threatening risks..
Councillor Gordon Stewart, Cabinet Member for Looking after our Communities and Chair of the Fire Authority said: “Nobody can underestimate how vital it is to respect the dangers of entering the water.
“In the UK around 400 people die through accidental drowning every year and sadly two young lives have already been lost in the River Tyne in Northumberland this year.
“Swimmers, kayakers and paddleboarders should take time to think about potential hazards whether they are in a lake, a river or an accessible reservoir where swimming is permitted.
“Most risks can be lessened with proper awareness and by taking sensible precautions - so that no more happy days out turn into heartbreaking tragedies.“
Group Manager Joe Hunter, Head of Northumberland Fire and Rescue services Community Risk and Response department said: “One potential problem that’s often underestimated is cold water shock - a serious condition that can affect even the strongest of swimmers.
“The body experiences an involuntary gasp reflex followed by hyperventilation, followed by panic and difficulty in controlling breathing, leading to inhaling water and potentially drowning.
“This can happen even on a hot summer day, as the temperature of rivers and lakes can remain quite low typically below 15°C (59°F).
“Cold water can quickly stop muscles working properly making it difficult to swim or even stay afloat - with children at highest risk as their smaller bodies lose heat faster than adults.
“It can increase the risk of cardiac arrest, especially for those with pre-existing heart conditions.”
Councillor Stewart, explained: “It should go without saying that children should be supervised at all times when in, or near, inland bodies of water as drowning can happen quickly and silently.
“They should enter the water slowly to allow their bodies to get used to the temperature and wear properly fitted life jackets if possible.
“Adults should check the water for potential hazards like strong currents, deep water, and submerged objects and vegetation, if in doubt – stay out. Or swim in designated areas where lifeguards are on duty.
“Children can be taught basic emergency skills, such as floating on their backs if they are struggling using the ‘Float to Live’ method and adults should avoid swimming alone and alcohol - and brush up their emergency skills - as responding quickly can save lives in an emergency.
“Should anyone see someone in trouble they should firstly phone the emergency services, then throw them a lifebuoy if there is one – and they should not enter the water putting themselves at risk also.”
Enjoying inland bodies of water during the summer can be a very enjoyable experience – leading to the creation of positive summer memories for years to come.
*To call the emergency services if someone gets into difficulty in inland water call 999 and ask for Fire and Rescue.